JUST three cups of tea a day could help beat some cancers, fight tooth decay and stop us piling on weight.

The latest endorsement for the humble British cuppa follows studies linking it to a lower risk of having a stroke or developing diabetes.

The benefits of black tea – the UK’s favourite type – come from antioxidants. These occur in other foods but are more potent in tea.

Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietician and public health nutritionist, has carried out a review of all existing studies.

She was most impressed by how tea combats two types of bacteria linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

“Tea is great for teeth,” she said. “The compounds which give tea its rich colour, called flavonoids, also have potent anti-microbial effects.

“The best effects are seen at three to four cups a day and it would be most effective to drink tea after meals or when sweet foods have been eaten.” The benefits occur even when people have sugar in their tea, says Dr Ruxton. The case for drinking tea to protect against cancer is strongest whenconsidering oral cancers, she says. But it can also balance gut bacteria and fight infections that lead to colon cancer and stomach ulcers.

Caffeine in tea can boost fat burning by about 10 per cent.

Drinking tea 'is great for teeth'

Flavonoids in tea promote fat burning and slow down fat absorption in the gut

She said: “Flavonoids promote fat burning and slow down fat absorption in the gut.